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Herrschners to Distribute Big Twist Yarn

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One of the biggest worries I’ve seen from people with the in-progress closing of Joann craft stores is the loss of Big Twist yarn. Big Twist is a private label yarn that was sold exclusively at Joann (though you can find some colors on Amazon at huge markups). Many crafters like it as their go-to low-cost acrylic yarn because it’s softer than Red Heart Super Saver but similarly came in a wide range of colors, as well as some prints and themed colorways.

There had been a rumor that the yarn was made by Spinrite/Yarnspirations and that they would start making it under one of their own labels such as Caron or Red Heart, but Marly Bird debunked that rumor.

Herrschners has announced that they “will soon be carrying” Big Twist yarn, “bringing you an even wider selection of colors and textures for all your knitting and crochet projects,” according to a statement on their website. No timeline is mentioned but they do suggest signing up for email alerts so you’ll know when the yarn is available.

In case you don’t know this company already, Herrschners is a needlework company that got its start in the late 1800s in Chicago. It has been a catalog company for more than 125 years (and I’ll still get their catalogs in the mail from time to time) and of course now they also sell online. The company is currently based in Stevens Point, WI.

They sell yarn and notions for knitting and crochet as well as needlepoint, latch hook, plastic canvas and other crafts. Since we’re talking about yarn, they carry well-known brands like Red Heart, Caron, Premier and Lion Brand, but also have their own private label brand of yarn. Their Supreme Worsted is probably the closest to a Big Twist option that they currently have.

I know a lot of knitters and crocheters will be relieved to have Big Twist as an option in the future. It’s not quite as convenient as running to your local store to grab a ball when you need it, but at least it will still be available!

[Photo via Joann]

Have you read?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.